However, it was uncertain whether the man had a permit to transport human body parts as required by the law.

Despite the confirmation, the bus station’s employees said travellers were banned from carrying human body parts on buses, even if they had the required permits, as a precaution for safety and hygiene.

Local reports said the man would need to find an alternative way to transport the arms back to his brother.

Traditional Chinese culture requires the whole body to be cremated or buried to preserve the body’s connection to place and family, reports the SCMP.